The saga continues. I talked to an auto electric shop about my '04 not starting. They told me to call a local lock smith who is good with the newer electronic equipment. Everything is working, with the exception of no communication in the system. My keys are good, anti-theft isn't tripped and so on. I've got good fuel pressure. He was unable to talk through the OBD port as there was no communication. His $6000 scanner couldn't talk to it. My Fairly deluxe $400 scanner can't read it. My older, cheapie $75 scanner WILL talk to the system, but can't find anything wrong.

I'm going to trace the OBD port wiring to see if there is anything loose before I tow it to an electric shop.

 

I've tracked down 2 anomalies on my truck. No communication with the computer via the OBDII port and low battery pack voltage. That last one is puzzling as my battery is fully charged and holding steady at 12.6 volts. The shop will take the truck in on the 14th so I'm going to see if there is a bad ground somewhere slowing voltage transfer.

Any suggestion on what to look for is welcome.

 

Check for fuel pressure yet? How about injector pulse? Coil pulse?

Cheap noid light kit will do two of those.

 

All me or the lock smith can figure out is there is no communication between the reader port and the computer. I've checked the port as best I can. Tomorrow, between the rains, I'll pull the computer and see if any pins are bent.

Plenty of fuel pressure. No problem there. I've had the dash cluster and computer checked and the fuse block rebuilt.

 

I had a similar issue with my 99 5.4. I cannot begin to describe all the things I tried, HOWEVER, what finally fixed the issue was I replaced the PCM relay, and PCM fuse in the main distribution box under the hood. I forget what numbers they are, but it's worth a shot, and fairly inexpensive.

 

I left the car at the local auto electric shop that is good about finding problems. All he can find is the issue is in the computer on the firewall. I've sent it off for repair. I guess I'll find out in a few days when the unit comes back. The shop that tested it first hasn't responded to several attempts to contact them about a warranty.

 

Good luck. Post back what they come up with.

 

The saga continues. I had to postpone letting the electric shop look at the truck. After all the feathers quit flying, I had it towed. The electric shop said the problem was in the computer. After several attempts to contact the shop who tested it, I gave up and sent it off through Autozone to be rebuilt. Today I got it back (2 week wait). We opened the box and there was a note that they don't work on that type of unit, no charge. Great.

Anyway, I ordered a NEW unit with 2 keys. They will need to be cut but they are programmed to the new unit. It will be a week before it comes in so I'll have to wait and see what happens.

One question for the cognoscenti, I have three keys to the old computer. I like to keep three keys to all my vehicles in case of a mishap with one key there's always a spare. Will I be able to reprogram the old keys to the new computer using the two new keys? I don't really need FIVE keys but I'm also che...er...thrifty and don't want to throw stuff away if it still has use left.

I'll let everyone know what finally happens along with the vendors I dealt with.

 

Yes. Did you say you have ForScan on a laptop ? That makes it easy. If not you can do it the old sluggo way using their provided keys as masters.

 

I looked into it but I'm not really computer savvy and the cost was more than I wanted to spend. I have thousands of dollars worth of tools I've acquired over the last 60 years. I don't think I have another 60 years left in me.

 

Ok. Well here's the instructions for doing it manually in case you don't have them already.
Programming Ford Key and FOB

Step-by-Step Ford Key Fob Programming Instructions

1. Close the car doors, then open the driver-side door. Press the UNLOCK button on the driver-side door.
   
2. Next, turn the ignition from OFF to RUN 8 times. Do this within 10 seconds, making sure the 8th time ends on RUN. When you’ve entered programming mode, the door locks will lock and unlock. (Note: If the doors don’t cycle, turn the key faster. Your car may not have keyless entry if you still can’t get the doors locks to cycle.)
   
3. Press any button on the Ford remote to be programmed. Do this within 8 seconds. The door locks will cycle again to confirm the keyless entry remote is programmed and ready to use.
   
4. Have a second remote key fob? Again, press any button on the remote within 8 seconds to cycle the door locks. Repeat this step for any additional key fobs.
   
5. Finally, turn the ignition to OFF. The locks will again cycle to confirm programming is complete.
   

Transponder Key Programming

If you do not have ForScan on a laptop, you must have 2 original keys that start your engine to perform this procedure. If you only have one working key or none at all (and you're scared to use ForScan....), it must be programmed by a dealer or locksmith! Or use ForScan and wipe all keys from memory and start from scratch. Your New (unprogrammed) key must also be cut prior to performing this procedure. ForScan WILL program new keys even if you have none to start with.

Please Note: If one of your keys is a cloned key from a hardware store this procedure will NOT work. This procedure requires original programmed keys.
1. Insert an existing (working) key into the ignition cylinder.
2. Turn the ignition cylinder ON (just shy of starting the car Without cranking the engine) and back to OFF. Ignition should stay in ON position for at least one second.
3. Remove the existing key and WITHIN TEN SECONDS, insert a second working key and turn to ON and then back to OFF. Ignition must be on for at least one second but no more than ten seconds. Remove key.
4. Insert the New (unprogrammed) key before twenty seconds have elapsed and turn to ON. Leave it in the ON position for at least one second and turn back to OFF.
5. The security light will light up for THREE seconds to indicate the new key has been successfully programmed.

Setting Up Your Ford Memory Seats

Once you’ve got your seat, mirrors, telescopic steering column, and power pedals in the proper place, turn the key to put the ignition in the “On” position. Once you’ve got the power on, you’ll notice three buttons on the side panel of the driver’s side door. Press and hold the number 1 button for about five seconds until you hear a single chime. After the chime sounds, let go of the button and your seat settings have been saved! To test it out, simply move something a hair and press the button to watch it go back to your set position.

Setting Up Ford Key Fob Memory

For those times when you want your seat to be ready for you before you get inside your Ford vehicle, the key fob that you received with your vehicle can activate the memory seats for you! To sync your key fob with your memory seats, do everything we talked about earlier, except this time keep holding the appropriate memory button until you hear the chime twice. As soon as you hear the second chime, press the lock button on your key fob immediately. Now, every time you press the unlock button, your seat will automatically adjust to your preferred settings. This is especially helpful if you make use out of the easy entry and easy exit feature which moves the steering wheel and seat each time you get in and get out of your Ford.

 

Ford ? Right ? ..... Did you know Ford has a RESET for the computer ? I found out via a friend Ford Mechanic ..... it seems weird but this is how it goes ..... turn you ignition key ON and OFF 8 times BUT stop in the ON position at the 8 th time ....... ALL door locks will engergize and the computer will RESET . Then go to Off and try to start tha beast